I would argue that Christianity, in it's many forms extent at that time was not necessarily struggling, although historically, they did suffer from some persecution..
What "the most powerful man in the empire" did, was demand that Christian beliefs be consolidated into a religious institution acceptable to the emperor as a state religion..
He provided the early church with political power..
I would further argue that his imprimatur did not "save" Christianity, it may have destroyed it..
Christian beliefs were varied at that time, and many different sects and beliefs existed..
What we ended up with would probably not be recognized as Christianity by the believers of the time, and would likely be considered blasphemy by many..
Today's christianity is the result of a religious committee of "standards and practices"....
I would further argue that his imprimatur did not "save" Christianity, it may have destroyed it..
Christian beliefs were varied at that time, and many different sects and beliefs existed..
What we ended up with would probably not be recognized as Christianity by the believers of the time, and would likely be considered blasphemy by many..
Today's christianity is the result of a religious committee of "standards and practices"....
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The arian heresy and sundry other oddities are well represented by the moslem views of Jesus. what Mohhammed saw as representitive of christianity was revealed by the gnostic gospels dug up in egypt in 1947.